Although most webmail providers are entirely dependent on advertising revenue, the industry emerged from the recession relatively unscathed, with revenue growing slowly in both 2008 and 2009. As consumer spending declined and advertising expenditures plummeted, advertisers scaled back their online marketing campaigns, without completely cutting them. Continuing a trend from recent years, the industry will continue to pull revenue away from traditional advertising media outlets due to lower costs and quantifiable efficiency achieved through online marketing. Furthermore, rebounding consumer spending and disposable income will continue to drive demand for subscription-based webmail services.

Webmail providers develop and maintain webmail services. Practically every webmail provider offers e-mail access using a webmail client, and many of them also offer e-mail access by a desktop e-mail client using standard e-mail protocols. This industry includes both free and subscription-based (paid) webmail services. This industry excludes email usage via mobile devices.

This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.